Steve Smith’s stint in English County Cricket has divided opinion, but one Ashes foe is relishing facing ‘world’s best’

England quick bowler Ollie Robinson says having Ashes rival Steve Smith in his county workforce “ups my game” and will really hand the house workforce one thing further forward of the five-Test showdown.

Smith didn’t get to bat in his debut for Sussex however stood at second slip getting a superb have a look at Robinson, who took seven wickets after their captain, Indian star Cheteshwar Pujara, gained the toss and put Worcestershire in.

Watch each match of the 2023 IPL LIVE & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The presence of the Australian star has prompted ructions among the many locals with some critics suggesting giving him a contract to play county cricket aided the reason for the vacationers, who want to win a primary collection in England for greater than 20 years.

But Robinson, who has been bowling to Smith within the nets and even despatched his stumps flying early on, took the choice view now he was often attending to bowl to somebody who might be his opposition within the coming months.

“I get a look at him, he gets a look at me,” Robinson mentioned after snaring 7-59.

”I don‘t assume it makes a giant distinction within the grand scheme of issues.

“He‘s obviously a good player and he’ll score runs regardless of whether he faces me or not.

“It‘s bit surreal. To have the world’s best batsman and Pujara in the same dressing room is quite cool. It’s nice having him around. It ups my game in training bowling to him and Pujara.”

Smith additionally acknowledged this week he would get a close-up have a look at Robinson who struggled within the collection in Australia in 2021/22, taking simply 11 wickets in 4 Tests.

But Robinson stays a key a part of the England assault, together with veteran seamers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, and Smith is aware of that

“I was impressed with him actually when he was out in Australia. I thought he had some really good skills,” he mentioned.

“He‘s quite tall, he hit some good areas and looks like he’s got better since then. So I’m looking forward to playing with him this week.”

Smith will not be the one member of the Australian squad enjoying county cricket.

Opener Marcus Harris‘s Gloucestershire is not playing this week, but Test star Marnus Labuschagne made 65 for Glamorgan against Yorkshire.

Originally published as Steve Smith’s County Cricket stint getting used to spice up England’s looming Ashes hopes

Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au